Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus that urges a steering shaft or a rack shaft with an assist load using the drive force of a motor by a transmission mechanism via reduction gears, the reduction gears includes a rotation angle sensor assembled integrally therewith.

Abstract: A small, lightweight sanitizing device that is adapted for attachment to a stethoscope. When the stethoscope is not being used the device covers the diaphragm and bell portions of the stethoscope with sanitizing pads that kill germs and prevent the spread of disease between patients that are examined with the stethoscope. When the health care provider needs to use the stethoscope, the device can be slid up a length of the stethoscope to a desired location so that the diaphragm is exposed for use. The device is advantageously produced with a narrow top that frictionally engages with the tube of the stethoscope so that the sanitizing device stays at the desired location until the user pulls the device back down over the diaphragm. The present sanitizing device can be used with both adult and pediatric stethoscopes.

Abstract: The invention provides an earplug and a method of forming thereof where the earplug includes an insertion portion having opposing top and bottom sides, a handle portion connected to and extending rearwardly from the bottom of the insertion portion, and a rear portion extending from the top of the insertion portion to the handle portion, where the insertion portion is configured to be partially inserted into an ear canal of a wearer, where the handle portion remains at least partially extending from the earcanal for use in handling the earplug, and where the insertion portion and the handle portion are integrally formed of a resilient compressible material.

Abstract: A sound wave guide structure for a speaker system comprises a sound passage space connecting an inlet opening 11 to an outlet opening 12. The sound passage space branches in plural stages in a range from the inlet opening 11 to the outlet opening 12, thereby forming a plurality of sound wave guide paths extending from the inlet opening 11 to the outlet opening 12.

Abstract: A silencer 1 for an exhaust system comprising a fluid outlet (14, 5) and control means for opening and closing the fluid outlet (14, 5). The control means may comprise a bi-metallic strip (2) with a rivet stopper (22) at one end. The fluid outlet may comprise an aperture (14) or a self-tapping plug (5).

Abstract: Disclosed is an escape ladder deployment system wherein the deployment system is in electronic communication with an emergency detection device, central alarm system and/or additional escape ladders. The escape ladder unit includes a deployable ladder housed in a box recessed within a wall just below a window either inside or outside of a building structure. The emergency ladder unit acts in cooperation with the detection device and/or alarm system in the sounding of an alarm in event of an emergency situation.

Abstract: In a safety connector device detachably connectable to a safety cable having a plurality of support brackets for supporting the safety cable. A pair of disk-like members are securely attached to end faces of a core member. At least three hook-like members: first, second and third hook-like members are movably supported by the core member, and are cooperated with the pair of disk-like members so that the safety cable is successively connected to and disconnected from the first, second, and third hook-like members in order when the device is moved along the safety cable, with the safety cable is connected to the first hook-like member.

Abstract: This is a device, which will allow a quiver of arrows to be secured to a tree stand but will also allow portability of the quiver in case the individual moves. It will allow the quiver to rotate 360 degrees for appropriate positioning relative to the particular hunter.

Abstract: A materials handling vehicle is provided comprising a base and a mast assembly coupled to the base. The mast assembly comprises a weldment having a pulley assembly coupled to the weldment. The pulley assembly includes a pulley element over which one or more elongated members extend, a shaft capable of being secured to the weldment prior to the pulley element being mounted to the shaft, and a retainer element for securing the pulley element to the shaft.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a forklift. Based on the load state, it is determined whether to limit a maximum vehicle speed and an acceleration/deceleration during traveling of the forklift. Limitation contents regarding the maximum vehicle speed and the acceleration/deceleration is determined based on a determination result of whether to put the limitations. A speed of the engine is adjusted based on the determined limitation contents, thereby controlling driving of the forklift. When the determined limitation contents are changed, an acceleration/deceleration limitation value is selected from a plurality of acceleration/deceleration limitation values according to the pattern of the change of the limitation contents, and drive control related to the acceleration/deceleration is executed to limit the acceleration/deceleration of the forklift by using the selected acceleration/deceleration limitation value.

Abstract: A method for placing a conveying installation in operation, the conveying installation including several components, wherein at least one conveying mechanism, an installation control and a drive are included. A control program suitable for different installation controls contains different control functions. The control program is executed in the installation control for operation of the conveying installation. The method including the steps of: activating the conveying installation; recognizing identification numbers of components of the conveying installation; checking whether the recognized identification numbers belong to permitted component combinations; recognizing the installation control type; activating the different control functions in the control program in dependence on the recognized installation control type; and releasing the conveying installation for operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the elevators of an elevator group in a building divided into zones comprising different floors in such manner that, at the passenger's departure floor, the elevators are given calls to floors beyond the zone limits of the departure zone. According to the invention, the aforesaid call is divided into two or more calls.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring slack in a vehicle braking system is described. The device includes an elongated body and a slidable member disposed within a channel of the elongated body. The elongated body has markings for measuring distance, and the slidable member may have a flange or magnet on one end. The slidable member slides out from one end of the elongated body and contacts a fixed compartment. The vehicle braking system is then activated and the movement of the push rod is measured. The other end of the slidable member may be narrow and contain depth markings for measuring tread depth of tires.

Abstract: A parking brake apparatus has a base, a ratchet plate fixed to the base, an operation lever includes a rotational base portion pivotally supported on the base; a pawl adapted to engage/disengage with the ratchet plate; an arc-shaped intermediate member comprises an arc-shaped relay rod; and a grip for controlling the engagement of the pawl. The arc-shaped relay rod is divided into at least two and is made to be interlocked with operations by the grip to transmit an engagement/disengagement operation with the ratchet plate to the pawl, the ratchet plate and the rotational base portion are provided inside a body side mounting portion, and the intermediate member is provided in such a manner as to appear from and disappear into a passage hole in the body side mounting portion.

Abstract: A brake assembly particularly suitable for use with an articulating bed comprises a contact member that is adapted to be situated between the bed and a supporting surface. A resilient member is situated to act upon the contact member to cause the contact member to engage the supporting surface to resist movement of the bed relative to the supporting surface without significantly raising the bed up off the supporting surface.

Abstract: A bush bearing with a radial stiffness that changes in the circumferential direction. The bearing has at least one radial web with a high radial stiffness in a first radial major load-bearing direction, and at least one pocket with a significantly smaller radial stiffness than in the region of the radial web in a second radial direction which is preferably perpendicular to the first radial direction. To achieve a large force-displacement ratio and simultaneously a soft torsion characteristic, the inner element of the bearing of the invention is formed in two parts. It consists of a metal inner sleeve and a preferably also metal bearing core received in the inner sleeve. An elastomer or a rubber contour is vulcanized on the inner surface of the inner sleeve or the outer surface of the bearing core. The inner core is oversized with respect to the inner diameter of the elastomer contour. The bearing core is pressed into the inner sleeve, but does not adhere to it.

Abstract: A disc brake designed to prevent formation of a pressure recess caused by a braking operation when a vehicle is moving forward, and reduce rattling caused by a braking operation when the vehicle is moving rearward. The disc brake comprises: a caliper body including pistons that are disposed in opposing relation to each other on either side of a disc; and a plurality of brake pads that are disposed in pairs on either side of the disc. The caliper body is provided with: forward torque-receiving surfaces for receiving a braking torque from the brake pads during a braking operation when the vehicle is moving forward; and rearward torque-receiving surfaces for receiving a braking torque from the brake pads during a braking operation when the vehicle is moving rearward. Only the forward torque-receiving surfaces are provided with guide members for abutment with the brake pads, while the rearward torque-receiving surfaces can be brought into direct contact with the brake pads.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake has a rotational element, a brake drum that extends at least partially over the rotational element, at least one centrifugal shoe which is movable substantially radially between the rotational element and an inner wall of the brake drum and is located on the rotational element, and a rotational braking device provided for the rotational element and triggered when a specified rotational speed of the rotational element is exceeded.

Abstract: A vibration damper with amplitude-selective damping force includes a piston rod carrying a piston arrangement axially movably arranged in a cylinder and dividing the cylinder into two working spaces. A flow connection is present between the working spaces and controlled by an axially movable switching ring which cooperates with a working surface which faces the ring to define a pilot opening cross section. A bypass channel with at least two connecting openings to the flow connection is provided hydraulically in parallel to the flow connection. At least one connecting opening upstream of each of two stop surface of the switching ring. A check valve arrangement separates the bypass channel and the flow connection from each other in the different flow directions as a function of the movements of the piston rod, the check valve arrangement having two check valves which close in opposite directions.

Abstract: A vibration damper comprising a body part via which the damper can be fastened to the object to be dampened, an oscillating piece movably arranged in the space of the body part and fastened by at least one spring to the body part, the oscillating piece consisting of more than one part, removably fastened to each other. The invention also relates to a method of producing a vibration damper and an arrangement of reducing the vibration in a piston engine.

Abstract: An electromagnetic coupling device includes a rotating member having an embedded coil positioned to provide a magnetic flux path through the rotating member while substantially eliminating at least one air gap to improve efficiency. At least one bearing or bushing assembly disposed between the rotating member and a second member includes an electrically conductive lubricant to supply electrical current through the assembly and lubricant to the embedded coil during actuation of the device. A method of making an electromagnetic coupling device includes embedding a coil within a rotating member such that the rotating member contacts substantially the entire outer surface of the coil to provide an efficient magnetic flux path and thermal conductivity for heat dissipation through the rotating member and connecting the embedded coil to at least one conductive bearing assembly having conductive lubrication grease.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a plurality of accessories associated with a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having the accessories coupled to an engine crankshaft by an electromagnetic coupling device with a flowable magnetic material disposed between a driving member and a driven member include selectively supplying power to the electromagnetic coupling device in response to at least one operating condition to simultaneously engage or disengage the plurality of engine accessories. Embodiments include a magnetic particle clutch or magnetorheological fluid clutch connected to an engine crankshaft and a plurality of engine accessories that may include an air conditioning compressor, water pump, power steering pump, alternator, and/or supercharger, for example.

Abstract: A method of determining the coupling moment in a friction coupling with an electro-mechanical actuator which comprises a supporting element axially supported in a housing and a displaceable setting element axially supported on said supporting element, wherein the supporting element is axially supported in the housing via an undisplaceably enclosed hydraulic medium and that the pressure in the hydraulic medium is measured and used by lookup tables of values for the actuator and for the friction coupling for the purpose of calculating the coupling moment in a central ECU.

Abstract: A torque-coupling assembly comprises a rotatable torque-coupling case, a friction clutch assembly for selectively engaging the torque-coupling case and an output shaft, a hydraulic pump for generating a hydraulic fluid pressure and a variable pressure-relief valve assembly to selectively control the clutch assembly. The variable pressure-relief valve assembly includes a valve closure member, a valve seat and an electro-magnetic actuator for engaging the valve closure member and generating a variable axial electro-magnetic force acting to the valve closure member so as to selectively vary a release pressure of the pressure-relief valve assembly. The electro-magnetic actuator includes an inverted electro-magnetic coil assembly and an armature disposed inside the electro-magnetic coil assembly and axially movable relative thereto.

Abstract: A coupling device of a motor vehicle with a clutch arranged in the force flow between a drive motor and a transmission and a dedicated servo-assisted control mechanism. The clutch is designed by way of a pressing spring as a passively lockable and via a clutch release sleeve disengageable and insertable dry friction coupling and the control mechanism includes an operative primary drive between a clutch pedal and the clutch release sleeve and a pneumatically operative servo drive with a pneumatic actuator ordered immediately to the clutch release sleeve and with a control valve controllable by the clutch pedal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a frictional engagement apparatus comprising a first frictional engagement unit (42), a second frictional engagement unit (44) and being disposed axially spaced from the first frictional engaging unit, and one case (40) for supporting the first and the second frictional engagement unit non-rotatably circumferentially but shiftably axially relative thereto. One retaining ring (51) is fitted to the case to be located between the first and second frictional engagement unit, the retaining ring being abutted to the nearest first friction plate and/or the second friction plate to stop an approaching shift of the first frictional engagement unit and/or the second frictional engagement unit. At a portion of the retaining ring remote from the case a recess (51a) is formed for allowing an elastic deformation in a direction decreasing thickness thereof, when the first and second frictional engagement units approach to each other.

Abstract: A core plate is provided including a plurality of stamped metal semi-trapezoidal members formed from a linear portion of planar stock material. Each member has teeth along a common edge and is connected to an adjoining member by an integral cord. The members are wound into a closed ring.

Abstract: A coin changer having a funnel portion, a coin changer body, and an acceptor removably mounted to the coin changer body. The funnel portion has a front funnel portion, two side funnel portions and a rear funnel portion. The rear funnel portion is attached to the coin changer body and the front funnel portion is attached to the acceptor.

Abstract: A system (1, 6) for the distribution of components which are disposed in strips (8), using conveyor belts (12) in order to transfer components (8) to a point at which they can be grabbed by the head of a pick-and-place machine. The system is equipped with one universal-base-forming portion (6) which preferably includes an integrated common motor (4) and an interface mechanism including a gearing system (3) which can drive the belts (12) of one or more independent, detachable distributor modules (1). The belts (12) are adapted to the width of the components and are releasably, but solidly connected to the universal base (6) in accordance with the production requirements of the device in terms of surface mounting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for automatic recycling apparatuses for containers, e.g. cans and bottles made of glass, plastic, or metal. Said unit comprises a conveying device with a conveyor belt for advancing the containers in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof, and rotating rollers that are provided with a surface area and can be moved from a neutral position into an identifying position in which said rotating rollers disengage the container from the conveying device and make the container rotate. According to the invention, the rollers are embodied as hollow elements and are provided with a breakthrough in the longitudinal direction. At least one conveying device is disposed in the rollers, respectively, while the conveyor belt is arranged in the area of the breakthrough. The rotating rollers and the conveying device are mounted separately, the surface area of the rollers overlapping the conveyor belt of the conveying device when the rotating rollers are rotated.

Abstract: A heavy duty slide for use in a manufacturing environment. The heavy duty slide includes a base and a rail support secured to the base. The heavy duty slide also has an inverted rail arranged on a bottom surface of the rail support. A removable bearing system is arranged on the inverted rail and a carriage plate is secured to the removable bearing system.

Abstract: Commercial production transport systems, mechanisms, and guides for food processing are configured so as to automate food transport. The system can direct food to travel serially over side-by-side predetermined travel lanes using one or more of a pick-up mechanism and/or router guide channels to pick-up and/or laterally translate the food product form the first travel lane to the second travel lane so that it travels greater than one, and typically a plurality, of revolutions about a tier or level in a vertically stacked food processing unit before moving to the next tier. Associated methods redirect and/or laterally translate food being transported in an automated food processing system.

Abstract: A variable spaced conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods and a plurality of rows of wickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each of the rows of wickets including a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links, the plurality of first links have a first spacing and the plurality of second links have a second spacing, the first spacing being less than the second spacing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for activating a passive entry system. The motion detector can include a latch input lever, a switch, and a damper. The damper can provide more resistance to the latch input lever in order to transfer motion to the switch in response to fast movement of the door handle. In some embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a switch. Movement of the notched lever can cause the switch actuator to contact the switch. In other embodiments, the motion detector can include a switch actuator, a notched lever, and a magnetic sensor switch. The magnetic sensor switch can include a magnetic switch member that moves in response to a second end of the switch actuator in order to complete a circuit to the passive entry system.

Abstract: A safety switch structure with double protective effects. The safety switch includes a base section having a main body formed with a first through hole and a second through hole. A surrounding wall outward protrudes from a first face of the main body from a periphery of the first through hole by a certain height. The surrounding wall is coaxial with the first through hole. The safety switch further includes a cover section including a cover board in alignment with an axis of the second through hole. The cover board has two rocking arms respectively rearward extending from two sides of a rear end of the cover board by a certain length. Each rocking arm has an extension end. The two rocking arms are respectively positioned on two sides of the surrounding wall. The safety switch further includes a pivot section disposed between the extension end of each rocking arm and the main body, whereby the cover section can be pivoted about an axis of the pivot section between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A button structure applicable to a touch unit of an electronic device is disclosed. The button structure includes a main body for touching the touch unit, a connecting portion installed on both sides of the main body and having a curved structure, and a fixing portion connected to the connecting portion for fixing the button structure to the electronic device. Under torsion force provided by the connecting portion, the main body is able to touch the touch unit evenly, so as to solve the problems of the prior art.

Abstract: A process for separating azeotropic or close-boiling mixtures by means of an extractive rectification in which an ionic liquid is used as entrainer, wherein a high boiling bottom product is taken off from the column in vapor form via a side offtake.

Abstract: There are provided herein a method and an apparatus for deposition of films of coating materials on a substrate, of particular use in obtaining superconductive composite tapes for deposition of films of superconductive oxides and/or buffer layers. A step of deposition of the film on the substrate is associated to a step of gas treatment in situ, in which a flow of gas is sent towards a working surface of the substrate or of the film growing on the substrate. The gas-treatment step is performed via ultrasound-expansion nozzles.

Abstract: A method of producing microparticles including: (a) providing a system including: (i) a vessel containing a liquid; (ii) at least a first pair of electrodes; (iii) a mechanism for igniting an electrical arc between the electrodes; (b) disposing the first pair of electrodes within the liquid, and (c) effecting at least one pulsed electrical discharge between the electrodes so as to produce a plasma bubble, and to produce the microparticles, the microparticles being associated with the plasma bubble, wherein the pulsed electrical discharge has a pulse duration of less than 1000 microseconds, and wherein the pulsed electrical discharge has a current amplitude of at least 1 ampere (A).

Abstract: A reagent suitable for use as a catalyst comprises a first metal species substrate having a second reduced metal species coated thereon, the second reduced metal species being less electropositive than the first metal. Methods of manufacture are also provided.

Abstract: A cylindrical cathode target assembly for use in sputtering target material onto a substrate comprises a generally cylindrical target, means for rotating the target about its axis during a sputtering operation, a magnetic array carried within the target for generation of a plasma-containing field including a plurality of electron drift paths adjacent an outer surface of the target, and a device for supporting the magnetic array independently of rotation of the target. In certain embodiments of the invention, the magnetic array may include a plurality of magnetic elements arranged to form a plurality of electron drift paths spaced along a substantial length of the target to promote generally uniform film deposition and uniform target utilization along its length.

Abstract: A plating apparatus (10) provided with: a plating vessel (61a to 61d) having a cylindrical side wall (361) for containing a plating liquid; a substrate holding mechanism (74a to 74d) for generally horizontally holding a generally round substrate (W) to be treated; a cathode ring (80) provided in the substrate holding mechanism and having substantially the same inner diameter as the plating vessel for sealing a peripheral edge portion of a lower surface of the substrate, the cathode ring having a cathode (83) to be brought into contact with the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; and a rotative driving mechanism (45) for rotating the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism together with the cathode ring; wherein the plating vessel has an upper edge portion complementary in configuration to a portion of the cathode ring opposed to the plating vessel so that the lower surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism can approach the plating vessel so as to be substantiall

Abstract: To provide low-overpotential electrodes for an electrochemical cell including a proton-conductive electrolyte and an electrochemical cell including the electrodes. The following reaction occurs at the interface between a gas phase and an anode 3: H2?2H++2e? At this time, the resultant protons (H+) and electrons (e?) exist in the anode 3. The subsequent electrode reaction is completed after the protons travel to an electrolyte 2 and the electrons travel to a lead 5. The reverse reaction occurs at a cathode 4 to generate hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A sputtering device according to the present invention comprises at least a vacuum container, a substrate holder arranged in the vacuum container, plural sputtering cathodes each of which has a target for sputtering to a substrate installed on the substrate holder, wherein the plural sputtering cathodes are arranged so that center axes of the targets installed on the sputtering cathodes is inclined at specific angle against an axis of the substrate installed on the substrate holder, and a sputtering cathode unit constituted of the plural sputtering cathodes is held to the vacuum container rotatably around the axis of said substrate.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement, an electrochemical sensor, a sensor arrangement, and a method for processing a current signal provided by a sensor electrode are disclosed. The circuit arrangement includes a sensor electrode, a first circuit unit, electrically coupled to the sensor electrode and a second circuit unit, including a first capacitor, whereby the first circuit arrangement is embodied to hold the electrical potential of the sensor electrode in a given first reference range about a set electrical potential and, when the sensor electrode potential falls outside the first reference range, the first capacitor and the sensor electrode are coupled such that a matching of the electrical potentials is possible. The second circuit unit is embodied such that, when the electrical potential of the first capacitor falls outside a second reference range, this event is detected and the first capacitor brought to a first electrical reference potential.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to porous electrodes for use in solid-state NOx sensors, whereby the electrodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material and electronically conducting material. The electrodes are prepared by impregnating a porous ceramic material with precursors to the electronically conducting material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for applying two or more mobilization fields in a microchannel using a multifunctional structure and manipulating particles and fluids based on more than one characteristic. Specifically, a fluidic channel comprising at least one metal structure having a coat comprising a conductive material, an insulative material, a semi-conductive material, or a combination thereof, is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for manipulating or assaying a particle in a sample which comprises subjecting the sample to a fluidic channel comprising at least one metal structure having a coat comprising a conductive material, an insulative material, a semi-conductive material, or a combination thereof and inducing at least one mobilization field such as a magnetic field, an electroosmotic field, an insulative dielectrophoresis (iDEP) field, which iDEP field may be an iDEP trapping field or an iDEP streaming field, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An electrode alignment apparatus may be used with a microfluidic device for accurate and repeatable alignment of electrode pins with reservoirs on the microfluidic device. The apparatus includes a base unit and an electrode block assembly that are moveable with respect to each other from an open position to a closed position. The electrode block assembly includes an interface array that is coupled to an interface array platform such that the interface array is moveable with respect to the interface array platform in three dimensions.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel sample loader and method for making the same is disclosed. One embodiment includes the electrophoresis gel sample loader comprising a loader having a backing material and a plurality of porous sample holders mounted on the backing material. The porous sample holders retain a sample by absorption. In addition, the electrophoresis gel sample loader further includes a mounting layer comprising a plurality of dividers. At least one divider is disposed laterally to a porous sample holder.

Abstract: A method for electrocoating a surface of a full panel easy open end is disclosed. The surface is substantially uncoated prior to electrodeposition. Full panel easy open ends prepared by the methods are also disclosed.